See Ya Later

I've never been good with good-byes. It's just not my thing.

I hate knowing that I may not be seeing someone for a really long time and it just down right hurts my heart to say those words. Just saying them to a friend or family member who lives far away is a shot to my heart. When deer season rolls around every year, it's terribly hard for me to say "good-bye" to Beau every weekend but I know that child eats, sleeps and breathes deer hunting so I'll sacrifice my emotions for his happiness and suck it up. It may sound cliche but "see ya later", even though it still hurts, just feels and sounds ten times better.

Last night we had to say "see ya later" to one of Beau's very best friends, Brian.

Brian is an officer in the U.S. Army and is leaving for Afghanistan for six months. I wouldn't say he's necessarily on the front lines but after hearing about his mission...he's definitely dealing directly with the enemy.

Beau searched high and low to find something to give to Brian as a constant memory to let him know that we're back at home thinking about him and waiting for his return. It's important to us that he knows we're supporting him 1000% but come December, we'll be damn glad he's back on U.S. soil.

I can't put it into words how much my heart ached as I watched my husband hand his best friend something so terribly precious to him. "These are my grandpa's pilot wings from WWII. They kept him safe and he came back home and I know they'll do the same for you." {Gah. Dagger.} I can't even imagine how hard those words were coming out of his mouth. I just can't imagine...

Though Brian isn't my best friend, he's a big part of our lives and I can't help but feel scared and emotional and nervous for him. This is real. This is happening. He is leaving his home and is being transplanted in a country so full of hate and evil and danger and I just hate that. I hate knowing that he might be really scared or really lonely. I hate that Beau is sick to his stomach knowing that Brian isn't here to hit up the nearest bar at the drop of a hat. I hate that his family is probably worried sick about him while he's over there as they anxiously await his phone calls that he may or may not get to make.

As I drove home last night, eyes full of tears, I couldn't help but think that if every soldier fighting for the United States is like Brian, we're in a damn good place. This is something he wants to do. He has chosen to go fight for our country and darn it, it makes me the proudest wife of my husband's best friend I can be.

I know he'll be okay. I know we'll all be at the airport on that December day when he comes home with signs and flags and most likely, the biggest bottle of Crown Royal we can find to greet him and let him know even though we are so glad he's home, he better not ever do this to any of us ever again.

I thank God for people like Brian; people so strong and willing to fight for our country during such a time of dispair. I thank God for the families who are willing to give up their loved ones for the time being so they can go serve our country and fight for our freedom we so easily take for granted. Call me selfish but I also thank God that my husband is not one of these who is willing to fight for our country. Though I know I'd be the proudest military wife ever and I know, deep down, I would be able to handle it, the thought of it alone puts me in an immediate panic attack.

Today is National Day of Prayer. If you find it in your hearts, could you please pray that God brings Brian back home safely; that Brian knows God is his shield and is there to protect him every step of the way.

We love you, Brian. Stay safe. Be strong and know that we're at home praying for you.

We'll see ya later...